One of the nice things about the V1 is you can always send it in for reprograming if you need to update the software. If you purchase an older used one, then take into account you may need to do this and incur an additional cost. You may chose to get a new unit and not worry about that for a few years.

The old forums had a couple of multipage discussions of the pros/cons of V1's and so on, unfortunately it looks like the old forums are gone now. Suffice it to say, some of us wouldn't use anything else for a variety of reasons, and others have a variety of reasons for not preferring a V1.

If you do get a V1, read the owners manual so you fully understand it's features and capabilities - including selecting which of the 3 processing modes might suit your useage (All bogeys, Logic, or Advanced Logic).

I use the 'Logic' mode typically; the Advanced Logic mode processes X-band signals (the most common false-signals) and only alerts an X-band signal if it's extremely strong (which helps minimize falses).

Careful with used. I bought a used V1 on craigslist, checked the serial number and it was up to date. Then placed an order for a cigarettle lighter adapter and was told the serial number wasn't registered to anyone and they wouldn't allow me to buy parts.

If it was stolen, I'd understand, but they can't find the unit at all (which I'd assume I should have found out when checking online for updates that I shouldn't buy it prior to buying it).

Learned my lesson. I'll use it for now and when I buy a new one I'll go with a reputable company and not V1.

And be prepared to deal with a lot of false alarms. That's why I sold mine; it was beeping every other second and I was at my nerve's end with it.

It is a shame you gave up on the V1. In Connecticut, I-95, I-84 and I-91 use the older x and k band radar to sense traffic movement. That of course makes a good detector, like the V1 set off a lot of alarms. If you turn those bands off all you get is real radar hits from the local PD and the CSP. Both use the more current radar devices. Most x band is used for door openers at CVS.

Disclaimers are that I have been using a V1 since 1994. Same for the wife's car.

I drive a 135i and I use the Escort Passport 9500i. It's a great device. I also have one in my 530xi. I live in CT and I haven't yet had a false alarm. So if I were you I would buy the Escort instead of the V1.